Bissell, James Edward 1830-1925

BISSELL, EATON, DEMPSTER, TINKHAM, PHILLIPS, CAMPBELL, LEETE, ABELL, ROBINSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 1/2/2013 at 08:49:50

Another Old Soldier Passes
James Edward Bissell was born at Brandfort, Canada, on March 27, 1830. He was Canadian born but of American descent. His father contracted to build a bridge in Canada. While there he was born. When the bridge was finished he moved back to New Erie, Penn., and lived there four years.

In 1851 they moved to Iowa and in the spring of the same year, he was married to Lydia Eaton. To them were born three children - Mary Tinkham, Seattle, Wash., Kaziah Phillips, Greeley, Ia., and Nancy Campbell, who preceded him in death.

When the war broke out he enlisted in September 1862, serving three years and 38 days in Company C, Sixth Iowa cavalry under Captain Ainsworth. He received an honorable discharge in the fall of 1865, came home and worked at the shoemakers trade in Taylorville.

He came to Volga in 1866 and married Rebecca J. Dempster. To them were born nine children - Carrie Leete, Dowd, Mont.; Ed. Bissell, Earlville, Ia.; Mattie Abell, Mitchell, Neb.; Ida Robinson, Edgewood, Ia.; Ray, Jennie, Effie and Ella preceeded him to the great beyond. He has 38 grandchildren living.

At the age of 70 years his eyesight began to fail him and after a few years he became totally blind. He was very patient thru all this great affliction.

He departed this life July 15, 1925, at the age of 95 years, three months and 18 days. Funeral services were held on Friday afternoon, July 17th. At 2 o'clock p.m. prayer was offered at the home by Rev. A.F. Polk, after which the funeral service proper was held. The sermon was preached by Rev. A.F. Polk, pastor of the local Presbyterian church. Mr. J.M. Jennings offered prayer. The singers for the occasion were Mr. Ernest Smith, Rev. A.F. Polk, Mrs. Anna Goodwin and Miss Chrytal Jennings, with Mrs. Leta Meyers at the piano.

The American Legion rendered very efficient service, serving as pallbearers and conducting the service at the cemetery where a salute was fired over the open grave and taps were sounded. Dr. J.A. Cahill served as post commander and Rev. A.F. Polk supplied as chaplain.

~Volga City News, July 1925